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Page 448
and doubtless are tired. The matter is not so pressing as that.''
To Ian that sounded the first false note. When a man has a problem great enough to merit summoning or asking help from his overlord, it is a problem he is all too ready to speak about day or night, timely or untimely. Yet Ian could not doubt Sir Peter's real pleasure and relief at seeing him. Perhaps the problem was personal or embarrassing in some way, or perhaps Sir Peter knew it was a matter that would be displeasing, like an inability to pay what was due from the estate. In such cases, he might well wish to be sure his overlord was rested, fed, comfortable, and in the best humor. Poor man, Ian thought, if he wishes to wait until my mood grows merry he will have a long wait.
"I am not so frail a flower," Ian remarked, "but if you wish to leave it for tomorrow, I do not mind."
"You will stay a little while, I hope, my lord?" Sir Peter ventured. "When does Lady Alinor join you? You will stay a few days, at least?"
"A few days if you like, yes, but Lady Alinor will not come unless there is some special reason." Ian's voice almost checked, but he forced it on smoothly enough. "She is assisting at the lying in of the Countess of Pembroke."
Something was rotten, very rotten. Whatever it was had to do with Alinor. Sir Peter could not, even as much as the dictates of politeness ordered, conceal his intense chagrin when he heard that Alinor would not come. Ian's initial reaction was pique. Did Sir Peter account him for so little? Did he think Ian would not understand what Alinor would? As the first angry sensation subsided, Ian realized it was no generalized contempt for his powers and veneration of Alinor's. Sir Peter's assumption that Alinor would obey her husband was genuine. Perhaps there was the seat of the troubleSir Peter felt that Alinor was too much under Ian's influence. But in what way was that Sir Peter's affair?

 
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